COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH, PARENTING AND CHILD RESOURCES
In light of the current COVID-19 crisis and my role as a Clinical Psychologist working to support the public through this difficult time, below are a few of the best tools I have found to help parents in supporting their children, and to help adults' mental health generally. I will keep updating this list.
Also, please tune into my Facebook Live Broadcasts every Wednesday evening at 9pm on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/drmaliecoyne, or A Lust For Life Facebook page, where I answer parenting queries and discuss how parents can look after their own mental health.
For Parents
The Genesis Programme, Supporting parents and families through the days and weeks ahead. 32 page Irish resource pack with lots of information on supporting children at home and links.
Ombudsman for children, Coronavirus information for children and young people.
https://www.oco.ie/childrens-rights/coronavirus-information-for-children-and-young-people/
Department of Education and Skills, Talking to children and young people about COVID-19 - Advice for Parents and Schools.
Child Mind Institute, Supporting families during COVID-19. Comprehensive list of resources.
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
Child Mind Institute, Facebook Live video chats with expert clinicians.
https://www.facebook.com/ChildMindInstitute/
Child Mind Institute, Talking to kids about the Coronavirus.
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Child Mind Institute, VIDEO on How to talk to kids about the Coronavirus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhVad8ToCiU&feature=youtu.be
Child Mind Institute, Supporting kids during the Coronavirus crisis.
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
Child Mind Institute, Supporting teenagers and young adults during the Coronavirus crisis.
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-teenagers-and-young-adults-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/
Raisingchildren.net.au, Talking with children about physical distancing and self-isolation
How to care for children if you're sick with COVID-19.
https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-parents-caregiving-guide/
Actualise Academy, Anxiety in children: Why it occurs and how to deal with it. Free course.
https://www.actualiseacademy.com/p/anxiety-in-children
Dr. Malie Coyne; Why you shouldn’t try to be the ‘perfect parent’ – you are already good enough
Storybooks / Workbooks, videos and social stories for children
Nurse Dotty Books, Picture book to ease children's fears about the Coronavirus
https://nursedottybooks.com/dave-the-dog-is-worried-about-coronavirus-2/
Child Development Center, Social stories for kids about COVID-19
https://childdevcenter.org/news/social-stories-for-kids-about-covid-19/
Sylvie Bloom "Corona, Corona, Corona", Irish video explaining viruses and why we're staying inside.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukCOWPNAkQc
Fiona Forman, Weaving Wellbeing Programme, free 'Well-being journal for kids'.
LONG Creations, My 2020 COVID-19 Time Capsule, free workbook for children documenting their experience to look back on.
https://tinyurl.com/Covid19TimeCapsule-CA
"My hero is you"; Fictional book developed by and for children aged 6-11 to help them understand and cope with COVID19. Available in several languages.
Nosy Crow with Axel Scheffler, Free digital information book for primary school children explaining the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it.
Manuela Molina, “Hello I am a virus” short picture book to help explain Coronavirus to children under 7, translated into many languages.
https://www.mindheart.co/descargables
The Stay Home Superheroes by Sophie's Stories is now available FREE to view and download as a beautifully illustrated eBook!
https://issuu.com/sophie_marsh/docs/stay_home_superheroes
Meditations for children
Louise Shanagher, Children's therapist and mindfulness teacher. Free video meditations.
https://www.louiseshanagher.com/guidedmeditations
Niall Breslin (Bressie) Kids Mindfulness Classes, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5pm.
https://www.facebook.com/whereismymindpodcast/
Marie's Mindfulness and Meditation for children, Kids Mindfulness Live Stream private Facebook group
For Adults
A Lust for Life, Self-care during COVID-19 Facebook Live Broadcasts (weekdays).
https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/self-care-during-covid19-a-lust-for-life-live-broadcasts
HSE, Minding your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Rachel Masterson, Minding your mind with a routine when working from home during COVID19
Fiona Brennan, Staying calm during COVID19. Video with lovely meditation.
https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/staying-calm-during-covid19
Actualise Academy, Fasten your own seat belt first. Free stress management course.
https://www.actualiseacademy.com/p/fasten-your-own-seat-belt-first
Centre for Clinical Interventions, "What? Me Worry?: Accepting uncertainty" Practical Exercises
Dr. Russ Harris, FACE COVID Animated Video - How to respond effectively to the Coronavirus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmvNCdpHUYM
The Wellness Society, Free "Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook": A tool to help you build resilience during difficult times
https://thewellnesssociety.org/free-coronavirus-anxiety-workbook/
Compassion and Mindfulness practices
Beamont Hospital, Huge bank of free audio relaxation / mindfulness exercises.
http://www.beaumont.ie/index.jsp?p=528&n=532&a=0
Chris Germer, free audio and downloadable meditations.
https://chrisgermer.com/meditations/
Stress control, Free audio relaxation and mindfulness exercises.
www.stresscontrolaudio.comsite
Sounds True, Free videos on self-compassion, and on how it changes everything.
https://www.soundstrue.com/store/power-of-self-compassion/why-self-compassion-is-important
Netmums.com, The compassionate mind approach. Free programme with links.
https://www.netmums.com/support/the-compassionate-mind-approach
The Sanctuary, free weekly online meditation sessions (3 times per week via Zoom)
Sharon Fitzmaurice, Free online meditations - Facebook Public Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SharonFitzmaurice/events/
Chris Germer and Kristin Neff, 10 Self-compassion practices for COVID19
https://centerformsc.org/10-self-compassion-practices-for-covid-19/
Lists of supports / services during COVID19
Health Service Executive, Mental health supports and services during COVID19
A lust for Life, List of "Free mental health resources"
https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/mental-health/free-mental-health-resources